What’s Happening to Frequent-Flier Programs?

With major changes looming, here’s what you can do to come out on top.

With major changes looming, here’s what you can do to come out on top.

DELTA SKYMILES

For years, you’ve earned frequent-flier miles based on the mileage you flew. Next year, you’ll earn miles based on money spent. So on a $300 round-trip ticket from New York to Miami, you’d log 2,194 SkyMiles in 2014. Next year, it’ll come to 1,500.

What to Do: Sign up for a Delta American Express card to get some of the same benefits offered with the lowest tier of elite status (priority boarding, free checked bags). You’ll also earn 30,000 miles when you enroll.

UNITED MILEAGEPLUS

As with Delta, you’ll earn miles based on what you spend, not the miles you fly.

What to Do: Rack up miles with every credit card bill. Both the Starwood Preferred Guest and Chase Ultimate Rewards cards earn points for flights across many airlines.

AMERICAN AADVANTAGE

Unlike its rivals, this program remains largely unchanged for now—the airline has more pressing issues at hand with its recent $17 billion merger with US Airways. But experts say AA may follow the competition next spring.

What to Do: Fly as much as you can to rack up miles. It’s cheaper to earn them now than it will be if those changes eventually go through.